As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of martial arts cinema and sci-fi action, I can confidently say that “The One” is a hidden gem that deserves a second look. While it might not have received critical acclaim at its release, it offers an intriguing concept that predates the current craze for multiverse stories by over two decades.
Thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the idea of a cinematic multiverse has become widespread. However, action stars such as Keanu Reeves and others had already explored this concept in the science fiction film “The One” before characters like Doctor Strange came onto the scene. Remarkably, it’s now available to stream for free. First released in 2001, following the success of “The Matrix,” “The One” presents audiences with a multiverse-traversing serial killer who acquires the abilities of each self he eliminates, gaining their strength, speed, and knowledge upon killing them. This is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing action sci-fi concepts you’ll come across.
Under the direction of James Wong, known for films like “Final Destination” and “Dragonball Evolution”, and co-written by Wong and Glen Morgan, the film “The One” stars Jet Li in two distinct roles as both hero and antagonist, alongside Jason Statham, Delroy Lindo, and Carla Gugino. The fight scenes are choreographed by the late Corey Yuen, renowned for his work on films such as “Fist of Fury” and “The Transporter”. Starting December 1st, you can stream this action-packed movie for free. For more details about this intriguing high-concept film, take a look at the synopsis provided below.
In an extraordinary turn of events, renowned actor Jet Li takes on two roles: one as police officer Gabriel Yulaw, who encounters a menacing version of himself from another advanced universe. This malevolent counterpart escapes and sets out on a chilling mission to eliminate Gabriel. The climax of this hunt is a significant showdown between good and evil, which alters Gabriel’s understanding of reality and compels him to scrutinize the darkness within his own soul.
‘The One’ Has a Lot To Offer Action, Sci-Fi & Martial Arts Fans
Although combining Jet Li, Jason Statham, action, and multiverse chaos might seem like a recipe for an unbeatable cinematic concoction, it unfortunately fell flat according to critics. At that time, the film The One was panned by reviewers, earning a mere 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The public was somewhat more appreciative, but they too found the movie to be less than satisfying, as indicated by its 51% score on the Popcornmeter.
Although it had some drawbacks, such as borrowing concepts from other sci-fi productions and its special effects appearing somewhat outdated, “The One” managed to rake in $79.6 million globally against a production budget of $49 million. It’s definitely worth the watch for action enthusiasts everywhere. Jet Li shines particularly bright in his double roles, offering a performance that surpasses the film’s typical B-movie elements.
As a devoted fan, I’d like to express how captivated I am by Li’s masterful creation in “The One”. This film doesn’t just dazzle with special effects and interdimensional intrigue; it delves deeper into the heart of its characters. By skillfully employing martial arts, Li offers a unique perspective on each character, with the malevolent Yulaw wielding Xingyiquan, a forceful style characterized by linear movements, contrasted with the benevolent Gabe who gracefully employs Baguazhang, a more circular and flowing style. Peel back the layers of spectacle, and you’ll find that “The One” offers a richer experience for those eager to explore. Plus, let’s not forget the uncommon sight of Jason Statham sporting a full head of hair!
Read More
- Crypto ETPs hit $44.5b in YTD inflows amid Bitcoin surge
- AI16Z PREDICTION. AI16Z cryptocurrency
- Li Haslett Chen to Leave Warner Bros. Discovery Board
- POL PREDICTION. POL cryptocurrency
- Hong Kong Treasury says crypto is not a ‘target asset’ for its Exchange Fund
- Blockaid new dashboard to track Web3 activity and threats
- ‘Kraven the Hunter & ‘Madame Web’ Box Office Disaster Blamed on Media Scrutiny
- EXCLUSIVE: Alia Bhatt in talks with Dinesh Vijan for a supernatural horror thriller; Tentatively titled Chamunda
- Shiba Inu, Bonk, Pepe prices rebound: Beware of dead cat bounce
- The Best Fashion Audiobooks on Audible for Aspiring Stylists, Hypebeasts and Everyone In Between
2024-11-30 17:01